May We Never Lose Our Wonder

won·der

[ˈwʌndə]

noun

verb

1. a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar:

Synonyms: admiration, astonishment, awe, reverence, fascination, curiosity.

I’m blessed to work with a team of such stellar individuals. Last Sunday morning I was reading the first reflection from new staff member Sam Abramian, when a few words in the middle of a sentence struck me. He wrote, “….I am in wonder at Jesus….”

I was left pondering the last time I was left awestruck, stopped in my track in wonder at Jesus. It’s easy and common place for me to be left awestruck and in wonders at the beauty of creation, at the magnificence of what Creator God has made. The vast, rugged mountains or the colours at sunset; the beauty of light entering the forest just after rainfall; the majesty of a wave and the playfulness of water, all these things lead me into a posture of wonder when I consider the works of His hands.

But what about Jesus? The Christ who was also a man, who walked among us, was tempted as we are, yet remained free from sin, this man who ushered in a new age and a new covenant, who brought the Kingdom of God into a new reality….does he evoke a sense of wonder in you?

Wonder is present from the very beginning of the Jesus story. After Mary recovers from an angelic visitation informing her what is to unfold, she visits Elizabeth and is moved to proclaim the words of praise that we now call The Magnificat. Could this be the first and most appropriate response to being awestruck and in wonder at the beauty of what is happening?

Years later, the young Jesus is at the Temple during the festival of Passover, he is speaking with the teachers he finds there. They are left astounded and amazed at the learning, understanding and answers of this twelve-year-old boy.

Later at the commencement of his public ministry, he is once again at the synagogue. He reads from Isaiah and lays out the foundation of his purpose. Those who heard him that day ‘spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came out of his mouth.’

The four Gospel narratives unfold a wondrous manner themselves, beautifully articulating the effect Jesus has on those who encounter him. His words continued to leave people in wonder. He was speaking truths that they had never heard before. He challenged systems and beliefs that were barriers to God’s heart, he opened pathways to experience God, and he witnessed and loved those who others considered unfit. People were continually amazed by him, by the beauty and truth that his words brought forth.

But it is not simply his words. His miracles were signs of his Divinity and authority. Jesus the Healer wanders the highways and byways on his nation encountering people in need, people who cry out to him, as well as people who struggle to believe in him. He gives them his time; he is willing to be interrupted. But he gives them greater gifts also. He is there to give himself. And he does just that, often through his healing touch. He leaves everyone in wonder, undone at his holiness and glory….. except of course, those who refuse to have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to receive.

Pause and take a moment to re-enter your own story. Do you remember the first encounter you had with Jesus? Did it leave you awestruck, fascinated, perhaps hungry for more? I remember finally surrendering to Jesus, I felt like I was floating around Bangkok, like someone had finally turned the colour on in my vision and my soul! I felt quietly at peace and yet fully alive at the same time. Humbled by glory and the invitation that changed my life.

What about your life since then, where have you been left in wonder at Jesus? Perhaps in ministry, in healing, in the restoration you’ve witnessed? Perhaps, like those words he borrowed from the prophet Isaiah, you have seen captives and the oppressed walk into freedom, the blind see, or the poor receive the good news, and you’ve simple sat in silent reverence at the wonder of Jesus’ grace, mercy and love. Or maybe, like Mary, your response has been to burst into praise and proclamation!

Perhaps upon reading these words you find yourself unable to relate. You haven’t seen the wonder of Jesus in a while or been amazed at something he’s done in your life or church or community. Well, maybe it’s time to cast your vision wider, look out into the beauty that God placed us in, to those people He called us to love, and walk into friendship with Jesus as he continues to move in love through the world. Maybe, you need to simply and humbly return to the cross, where you’re met at the feet of Jesus. In the hurt, confusion and despair, may your heart turn to grasp him, like Mary in the garden on Sunday morning.

This leads us to our last response….. to tell others of his wonder. When was the last time you did that? This week could hold your invitation to share. It may not necessarily be a non-believer, maybe a fellow Christian needs to be reminded of the wonder of Christ today, I know I certainly did.

Blessings,

Jon

Jon Timms

Joint CEO, Rural Ministries